By Heather Spaulding

Journal reporter

On Thursday, Jan. 28, San Juan County Councilman Bob Jarman discussed a number of community concerns, OPALCO’s broadband efforts, transient rentals, affordable housing, and brought up a few of his goals.

“The year 2015 was a good year for the county. We’ve made some big changes, in fact over the last two or three years we’ve made changes, and we have a full plate ahead of us.” Jarman said, opening the town meeting at the Skagit Community College sponsored by the Friday Harbor Grange #225.

While Jarman stated that customer service has improved, one of his goals is to continue enhancing that area. Recent changes in personnel, and department heads he said, helps. “Public Works’ new Director Brian Vincent is very polite,” Jarman said as an example “and the first word out of his mouth isn’t no.”

Improvements to the county’s public records requests process were also brought up. Jarman highlighted some key changes including new computer software, and increased staff time.

Jarman also discussed updates to the comprehensive plan, and the importance of following through on land use designation changes promised to landowners by the county years ago.

The county has been cracking down on transient rentals, making sure all bed and breakfasts and vacation rentals are properly permitted. “Part of it is a safety issue. People need to know where they lay there head at night is safe.” Jarman said.

Affordable housing is an age old issue in San Juan County, “We could talk about housing for hours.” Jarman joked, and went on to say there are many areas to consider when addressing this issue.

One answer might be in the comprehensive plan, changing land use regulation so affordable housing is more allowable. Another solution might be granting long-term guest house rentals, or perhaps a tax break for landowners who rent to long-term tenants.

Jarman also brought up road and construction project goals and credited Councilman Rick Hughes with passing a bill that allows the county to use state road funds to maintain county docks.

OPALCO became part of the discussion during the question and answer period, focusing on broadband, increased rates, and financing.

“I want to know if Rick Hughes was speaking for himself, or the entire council when he voiced support for OPALCO,” one member of the audience said, referencing Q and A with Rick Hughes article published in the Jan. 13 edition of the Journal.

Rick was quoted as saying, in regards to the council’s 2016 goals and OPALCO’s efforts, “We want to support the fiber capability OPALCO is working on… there is no one else out there willing to provide this kind of infrastructure.”

At that time the council had not officially set their goals, as specified by the editors note attached to that question, as well as by Rick Hughes during the interview, indicating his response was his own perception.

“It was his own personal opinion.” Jaman answered.

Jarman, who will be running for re-election this year, was the first speaker of the Civic Education Series held by the Grange.